Travel
What do you know about the Black protest music that inspired Reggae Month?
As we immerse ourselves in the wealthy tapestry of February, two significant and harmonious celebrations unfold side by side – Black History Month and Reggae Month. In addition to its well-deserved give attention to African American creativity, February resonates with reggae rhythms, creating an interwoven narrative of cultural expression and social consciousness. This seamless mix of celebrations provides a poignant backdrop for delving into the intricate connections between them, exploring the profound influence of reggae music while honoring the enduring legacy of Black history.
Reggae, well known as certainly one of the few revolutionary Black protest music genres, holds steadfastly to its core tenets of unity, peace and love. Established in 2008 through a partnership between the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), Reggae Month took root in February, coinciding with the birthday of legendary reggae luminary Bob Marley. Born February 6, 1945, Marley is widely respected for his monumental contributions to music and his enduring legacy as a distinguished black activist.
In honor of Reggae Month, we’re taking a journey through five noteworthy events that not only have fun the genre’s profound impact on the global music scene, but in addition pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Black history. From iconic performances to insightful discussions, these annual events are a testament to the power of music to inform stories of strength, unity and an unwavering pursuit of justice during Reggae Month.
Music conference on the island
Founded by the esteemed Dr. Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, a world-renowned reggae luminary, in collaboration with Judith Bodley and Sharon Burke, Island Music Conference (IMC) appears as an annual four-day gathering of music professionals. Filled with insightful panels, immersive workshops and charming performances from key contributors to the Caribbean music scene, IMC is a vibrant melting pot. Bringing together the world’s leading music executives, artists, producers, publicists, journalists and more, the conference takes place in Kingston, Jamaica, the epicenter of reggae music. IMC goals to catalyze transformational experiences for those in the music and entertainment industry, offering the latest advice and insights through dynamic panels, workshops and invaluable networking opportunities. The conference, which takes place on February 21-25, allows participants to pre-register for the entire event or decide to participate on a selected day.
Lost in Time Festival
If you are searching for an immersive musical experience that truly embodies the soul of reggae during Reggae Month, look no further than Lost in Time Festival. Taking place on February 24 at Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, this rhythmic celebration offers a full day crammed with music, crafts, delicious food and an array of sound stages, dance floors and leisure areas for reggae lovers to collect. The organizer is the reggae collective In.Digg.Nationhosted by talented reggae artist Protoje, 2024 marks the festival’s second energetic 12 months. In addition to Protoje, this 12 months’s program will feature distinguished reggae artists reminiscent of Lila Ike, Jesse Royal, Romain Virgo, Jah9 and more, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants.
“Bob Marley: One Love” premiere.
If you have not run out to your local theater yet, now could be the time to grab some popcorn and immerse yourself in the charming biopic “Bob Marley: One Love”! Released on Valentine’s Day, the long-awaited, candid film offers an intimate look into the lifetime of the iconic Bob Marley.
Born Robert Nesta Marley, the musician transcends the realm of reggae, leaving an indelible mark on the broader landscape of music and black activism. His songs touched upon themes of unity, resistance, Rastafari beliefs, promoting African unity, global harmony and the timeless message of affection. Even today, Bob Marley’s music, image and name echo throughout the world.
Celebrating opening week, “Bob Marley: One Love” quickly became the #1 film in America. To have fun Reggae Month and deepen your understanding of this influential genre, culture and legend itself, don’t miss the opportunity to see it at a theater near you.
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Carnivals of Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica
Although born in Jamaica, reggae music finds a house throughout the Caribbean due to shared diasporic connections and cultural similarities. During Reggae Month, each Trinidad and Tobago AND Dominica they host famous carnivals and this just isn’t only a coincidence. Carnival, considered a pre-Lenten masquerade, symbolizes culture, resilience, liberation and freedom. In a vibrant carnival atmosphere, reggae and its sister genres, soca and calypso music, take center stage with energetic rhythms that foster unity and have uplifting, positive lyrics that create an environment of collective joy and enthusiasm. It is price noting that in each Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago, where the overwhelming majority of the Black population makes significant contributions, carnival culture embodies the spirit of resilience and freedom. This 12 months, the major carnival parades in Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica took place on February 12 and 13 respectively, with international participants already planning their 2025 trip.
JaRIA Honorary Awards
The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), the driving force behind the nationwide celebration of Reggae Month, naturally takes the lead in organizing a series of events to commemorate the month. One of the highlights of this month-long music celebration is the highly anticipated JaRIA Honor Awards, an annual gala organized by the association to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the Jamaican music industry. The ceremony, which is able to happen on February 25, guarantees to bring together the crème de la crème of reggae culture. In addition to the accolades, two special awards, that are open to public voting, will allow winners to compete for the coveted title chosen by the public. If you want to participate on this democratic decision-making process, go to the website JaRIA Honor Awards website to solid your vote and watch the live broadcast on YouTube.
Noel Cymone Walker is a New York-based author specializing in beauty, fashion, music, travel, and cultural anthropology. She has written and produced artwork for several notable publications including The Recording Academy/The Grammys, The Fader, Billboard, OKplayer, Marie Claire, Glamour, Allure, Essence, Ebony and more.
Travel
Why a fall beach trip was just the reset I needed
The beach is my comfortable place. Something about the smell of the salty water floating in the breeze, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the warmth of the sun on my skin just melts my stress away. And searching at the vast horizon stops me from every part else occurring in the world, giving me time to reflect and shift my perspective that offers me clarity and focus.
Since I live in New York, the end of summer normally means the end of the beach – at the very least until mid-winter, when I’ll inevitably hop on a plane to a sandy tropical destination with the remainder of the sun-seekers . But this 12 months I decided to try something different: a fall beach trip.
I took advantage of the warmer than usual weather in the Northeast and planned a weekend trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey for one last likelihood to be a beach bum, courtesy of Ocean casino resort.
Here are three the explanation why fall is the perfect time to go to the beach:
1. To stave off the seasonal blues
As soon as Labor Day weekend involves an end, I begin to dread the impending reality of sunsets getting earlier and earlier. That first day while you leave the office and it’s already dark outside is at all times a shock for me. And for people affected by seasonal affective disorder, the change of seasons is even tougher.
A trip to the beach is the antidote to shorter, gray days. You could also be wrapped in a sweater as a substitute of wearing a bikini, but the extra vitamin D is real. Even when I stayed in the room, not only did I have amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I had hours of fantastic sunlight.
Planning a time change escape is one other smart travel move since it gives you something to sit up for quite than “rolling back.” In addition to the casino, Ocean Resort after all offers a variety of bars and restaurants, HQ2 nightclub, Topgolf Swing Suite and the best live entertainment venue, Ovation Hall, which hosted Lenny Kravitz the weekend I was there. How are you able to be indignant while you spend the last hours of summer singing together with Lenny?
2. To prepare for a productive fourth quarter
Have you heard of the “winter bow”? The TikTok trend could also be recent, but the idea behind it shouldn’t be. It’s a strategy to commit to self-improvement during the colder months by specializing in recent, healthier activities. It’s also a strategy to kickstart your “new year, new you” resolutions because, despite the frosty name, it normally starts in October. A fall trip to the beach may be the perfect begin to your winter fun, because it’s the perfect place to read, journal, and meditate. If physical well-being is a priority for you, you’ll be able to visit the recently renovated MUSSELS fitness center at Ocean, with a yoga area and Peloton offerings.
Even should you don’t intentionally work in your winter glow, research has shown a link between travel and mindfulness, creativity and private growth. Fall has traditionally been a time of reflection, change and rediscovery, so it’s the perfect time to flee.
Increasing your activity can enable you to achieve your Q4 goals upon your return.
3. To enjoy the peace before the summer storm
Before you recognize it, your calendar – and to-do list – will probably be stuffed with holiday shopping, travel, hosting and parties. It could also be the most wonderful time of the 12 months, however it’s probably the most hectic. Spending time with just myself and the ocean helped me feel able to face the difficult months ahead. And while dipping your toes in the icy waters of the Atlantic wasn’t an option, if water is what you discover soothing, Ocean Casino Resort has a year-round indoor/outdoor pool overlooking the coast, and a whirlpool and jacuzzi at the award-winning Exhale Spa + Bathhouse.
On the other hand, should you began watching Christmas movies in July and may’t wait for the season to begin, the end of fall is a great time to experience the magical touches that many hotels offer. Ocean Casino Resort transforms into a seaside winter wonderland with 30 holiday-themed rooms and suites, complete with Christmas trees; festive Jingle Bell Bar and pop-up Christmas marketplace for adults; and an adventure at Santa’s Hideout if you desire to make your trip to the beach a family affair.
Travel
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy amid surge in holiday travel
Spirit Airlines, recognized for influencing cost-effective travel and reworking the market, has filed for bankruptcy protection amid consecutive years of losses, a failed merger, growing competition and changing customer demands.
This week, the airline announced that an “orderly” petition has been filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York as a part of a “restructuring support agreement” as a part of the statement. Spirit says that while the corporate is working to restructure its debt, it should proceed operations through the holiday season and into 2025.
“Spirit expects to continue its operations in the normal course throughout the planned and streamlined Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) process,” the airline said in an announcement. “Guests can continue to book and fly without interruption and use all tickets, points and loyalty points as normal.”
Additionally, the brand new filing won’t impact worker salaries and advantages.
While this term may sound scary, Spirit isn’t the one US airline to declare bankruptcy. Major competitors corresponding to American Airlines, United and Delta Airlines have filed for bankruptcy over the past 25 years. Just as other carriers have emerged stronger since filing for bankruptcy, Spirit President and CEO Ted Christie hopes to do the identical. The airline’s CEO asserts that restocking the airline and negotiating with creditors will allow Spirit to enter the brand new yr with less debt and greater financial flexibility, which can position “Spirit for long-term success and accelerate investment, providing guests with a better travel experience and greater value.” .
In open letter to Spirit gueststhe corporate assured travelers of what was to come back.
“We’re still flying, so no need for FOMO! You can continue to rely on Spirit for great quality and excellent service,” the airline wrote on Xwith a link to the open letter that read: “The most important thing to know is that you (customers) can continue to book and fly now and in the future. We also want to assure you that you can use all tickets, credits and loyalty points as normal. You can continue to take advantage of our Free Spirit loyalty program, Saver$ Club bonuses and credit card terms and conditions. Our amazing team members are here to offer you excellent service and an exceptional experience. We expect to complete this process in the first quarter of 2025 and be even better positioned to deliver the best value in the sky.”
Travel
Green Book Global launches road trip planner to provide inclusive options for Black travelers
Building on the success of the primary and only Black travel booking and review platform, Green Book Global is expanding its services with the brand new Road Trip Planner app feature.
WITH Global Green Paper already recognized as a contemporary interactive guide for black travelers, the corporate has now added a feature to help plan safer and more enjoyable trips across the US. Launched on a redesigned mobile app (available on iOS and Android) and accessible via an internet app, this recent Road Trip Planner tool is powered by community insights and data.
“Our mission has always been to provide Black travelers with information that fosters a safer and more inclusive travel environment,” Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global, he said . “With Road Trip Planner, we turn our community’s collective experience into a robust tool that maps the most effective routes and areas to avoid based on historical and up to date data.
“It’s greater than only a planning tool. This is a brand new level of safety for our community,” he added.
Named after , which provided travel suggestions for African Americans traveling in Jim Crow America from 1936 to 1966, Green Book Global is a contemporary app and interactive guide designed to help Black travelers within the twenty first century. Using hundreds of reviews generated by Black users, the app will help users plan safer trips by identifying optimal routes and avoiding areas known to be inhospitable or potentially dangerous.
“Our goal is to provide information so that Black travelers can make a very personal decision about where they want to go,” Phillips said.
According to Green Book Global, the friendliest U.S. destinations for black travelers include Atlanta, Houston, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte and Chicago. The platform also offers a world destination search tool, with recommendations for various destinations similar to Kenya, Slovenia and Argentina.
Phillips points out that the brand new Planner tool allows drivers to select the “Avoid City” option to avoid cities at sunset and robotically re-route them.
“Our community rates cities on a five-star scale for traveling as a black person, and cities receive an overall rating,” he explains. “Green means the safest and friendliest destination, yellow means average and red means needs improvement. The color red signifies a city where black travelers generally didn’t feel protected or welcome, and should even signify a former sunset city.
The study also revealed some unexpected findings about cities which may be predominantly white but have small but powerful black populations.
“Portland, Maine was a big surprise,” Phillips says. “Although Maine is one of the whitest states in America, with a Black population of almost 2%, the city of Portland is almost 10% Black. It was amazing. Delicious food, lots of attractions and a nice atmosphere.”
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